ASPYRE camp is intended to empower young members of the LGBTQ community and their allies to achieve personal growth through advocacy and activism while making a positive impact in their communities.

Oct. 11th-13th 2024!!

Oct. 11th-13th 2024!!

Come and join us for our annual Leadership Camp!!!

A weekend long retreat for LGBTQ youth and allies ages 13-17 or 18* and still in high school. You will be learning the skills you need to enact the change you want to see in your community. You will also have the opportunity to network with other LGBTQ youth from across the state, make new friendships, and get inspired!!!

What To Expect

This year, ASPYRE is set to unfold within the picturesque confines of Chestnut Ridge campgrounds in Efland, NC. Over the course of three days and two nights, participants will engage in a multifaceted experience comprising workshops, group activities, and outdoor recreation. The ASPYRE curriculum is rooted in the foundational principles of social justice activism, encompassing themes that span community leadership, education, and mindfulness.

To maximize your autonomy, our camp facilitators have meticulously crafted a self-directed curriculum, affording you the liberty to prioritize specific skills. Numerous workshops will be available within designated time slots, allowing you to selectively participate or abstain as per your preference. Our aim is to ensure that, within the brief span of our collective weekend, you depart equipped with skills that resonate most profoundly with your journey as a community leader.

  • Identity

  • Community

  • Friendship

  • Leadership

Meet Our Camp Coordinators!

Lora Pilcher (She/Her)

Lora joined the center in 2015 and quickly immersed herself in youth programs, notably revitalizing the Youth Drop-In initiative in 2017. She then joined our staff, serving as Youth & Family Program’s Coordinator from June 2019 to June 2022. With a background in teaching preschool to high school age children, Lora currently works as a mental health therapist, specializing in supporting LGBTQ+ youth and young adults through life transitions and identity development.

Kori Hennessey (They/Them)

Kori has been a part of the LGBT Center of Raleigh for over 6 years! They started off as a volunteer and spent time cultivating the skills necessary to eventually land them in the ED seat. Kori received their B.A. in Psychology from a small, midwest town, became a certified trainer with the Transgender Training Institute, and received their Nonprofit Management Certificate from Duke. They currently serve as the Executive Director of the Center.

Elizabeth Harles (She/Her)

Elizabeth has been passionately involved in youth programs since 2016, serving as the adult facilitator for ASPYRE and QueerNC. With a background working in NYC Public schools from 2007-2009 and with after-school programs in Manhattan's Lower East Side, she brings a wealth of experience. Currently, she works as a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor. Working with LGBTQIA+ youth is a cause close to her heart, reflecting her dedication to making a positive impact on the community.

Gwendolyn Love (She/They)

Gwendolyn serves as the Program Coordinator for our Youth and Family, Queer Life, and Gender Spectrum programming initiatives. Her passion for social change ignited where she began her work conducting research on Black women's and girls holistic wellness. As her involvement grew, she started mentoring middle school and elementary-aged children through community-based mentoring programs. Gwen's academic pursuits culminated in a B.A. in African American Studies with a focus in Black Sexualities Studies reflecting their dedication to amplifying marginalized voices and narratives.

 Frequently Asked Questions

  • The registration period for ASPYRE Camp will begin in the spring of 2024. If you would like to be one of the first notified when registration is open please fill out the interest form linked at the top of this web page.

  • The standard rate for a singular camper is $100 for the entire weekend. If you are sending two or more campers to ASPYRE the sibling rate is 2 for $175. This includes 7 meals, camp shirts, snacks, and any additional materials for your camper to participate in camp activities.

    The total balance of your registration will be due at signing in order to reserve your camper’s spot. Further payment details will be made apparent once the registration opens.

    If you require financial assistance please indicate so on your interest form. We do offer partial and full scholarships to those in need.

  • There will be at least 1:10 staff to camper ratio at all times.

  • If your child takes any doctor prescribed medication, has food allergies, or requires any meal time adjustments or medical supervision please email Gwendolyn Love at glove@lgbtcenterofraleigh.com.

  • If you are interested in becoming a counselor for this year’s camp please fill out the interest form including all required information. There will be a section at the end of the form to indicate your specific interests.